Independent investigation into the grounding of the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier Iron King at Port Hedland, Western Australia, on 31 July 2008

Summary

At 2142 on 31 July 2008, the fully laden cape-sized bulk carrier
Iron King departed from its berth in Port Hedland, Western
Australia, with a harbour pilot on board.

Iron King made its way through the harbour and while
the assisting tugs had been let go by 2217, just before the ship
reached Hunt Point, they continued to escort it. Shortly
afterwards, at 2219 and again at 2221¼, the ship's rudder failed to
respond to port helm orders as the pilot attempted to steady the
ship's heading on the Spoil Lead.

The master switched the steering control switch between the two
follow-up control systems and informed the pilot that steering
control had been restored. The ship was still turning to starboard,
so the pilot ordered full ahead and hard-to-port in an attempt to
keep the ship in the channel and thus avoid grounding. He also
directed the tugs to make fast to the ship as soon as possible.
However, the tugs were unable to provide much assistance and by
2225, the ship had collided with Beacon 44 and grounded.

The ship remained aground until the next high tide, when it was
successfully refloated.

The investigation found that the steering gear failed to respond
to the helm orders because a leaking actuator relief valve was
limiting the steering system hydraulic pressure. It was also found
that; it was normal practice for assisting tugs to be let go before
departing ships reached Hunt Point; the pilot directed the tugs to
make fast to the ship again, but they were unable to do so before
it grounded; the master was not aware of the appropriate emergency
steering system change-over procedure; and the pilot had not been
provided with training in the implementation of a suite of 'risk
analysed' responses to predictable emergency scenarios in a
simulated environment.

A number of safety actions have already been taken by relevant
parties to address these safety issues. In addition, the Australian
Transport Safety Bureau has issued one Safety Advisory Notice.